When President Franklin D. Roosevelt called Pearl Harbor “a date which will live in infamy,” he nailed it. Although most alive today were not yet born on that fateful day, the memory of it still lives on. That day ignited the power of American resolve and life in the USA went from agriculture to a manufacturing juggernaut, overnight. So, what more fitting tribute than custom, one-of-a-kind SIG Sauer Pearl Harbor commemorative 1911s?
The SIG Sauer Pearl Harbor Commemorative 1911s
During World War II the 1911 was one of the most common pistols carried by U.S. Forces. So, to commemorate the United States involvement in the war, SIG Sauer partnered with Best Defense Foundation for three custom one-of-a-kind 1911 pistols. Working with Outlaw Ordnance SIG commissioned the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Pistol, USS Arizona Commemorative Pistol and the USS Oklahoma Commemorative Pistol.
Each pistol features custom engravings, with each paying homage to that historic day. Chambered in .45 AUTO, each 1911 includes a Battleship Gray Cerakote matte finish. The fully functional pistols also feature an SAO trigger, Gold Dot Novak front sights and Wilson Combat serrated rear sights. Designed and manufactured by Chad Schumacher, at Allegory Goods, the grips feature the Best Defense Foundation logo. Crafted from teak decking salvaged from the USS North Carolina, they add a touch of historical artifact to the 1911s.
Pearl Harbor Commemorative Pistol
The slide engravings on the Pearl Harbor pistol beautifully signify the date and time of the attack, 7:55. The time sits over the union in the American flag, whose stripes fade into sea waters and the words “Pearl harbor.”
The obverse of the slide features an engraving of President Roosevelt signing the declaration of war. Above the portrait is the date, December 7, 1941. Below the President are the words beginning his address, “A day which will live in infamy.” The rear of the slide, on both sides, is a medallion with “80th Anniversary.”
USS Arizona (BB-39) Commemorative Pistol
The presentation side of the slide features an intricate engraving of the USS Arizona, with its designation engraved above it. An oval backdrop surrounds the scene, emblazoned over calm sea waters. They kept the obverse side simple with a serene ocean scene with 7:55 at the fore. Additionally, at the rear of the slide, on both sides, is the Arizona state flag. Finally, a silhouette of the state of Arizona sits between the ejection port and front sight.
The USS Arizona was hit by Japanese torpedo bombers, which detonated a munitions magazine. As a result, the ship violently exploded causing it to sink. 1,177 officers and crewmen died as a result of the attack.
USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Commemorative Pistol
The slide of the USS Oklahoma matches that of the USS Arizona. However, in place of the engraving of the Arizona is a depiction of the USS Oklahoma. Similarly, the USS Oklahoma BB-37 designation runs just above the still ocean waters. Likewise, the obverse side includes 7:55 superimposed over a placid sea. Like the Arizona, the USS Oklahoma features the state flag of Oklahoma at the rear of the slide. Finally, in keeping with the theme, a silhouette of the state of Oklahoma rides atop, between the ejection port and front sight.
The Oklahoma served in World War I to protect allied convoys across the Atlantic. Japanese torpedo bomber airplanes hit the hull, causing it to capsize. As a result, 429 crew died, while others jumped to safety, were rescued through hatches or from drilling holes in the side of the hull.
Presentation
SIG Sauer presented the pistols to the leadership of the Best Defense Foundation in presentation quality cases.
“It was truly an honor to create these custom pistols and we are humbled to have the opportunity to partner with the Best Defense Foundation to salute these men and women of the greatest generation,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The foundation is providing any World War II veteran that wants a measure of closure the opportunity to return to their battlefield and we hope these pistols will bring recognition to their efforts. From the shores of Normandy to Pearl Harbor, the foundation has made it their mission to honor these veterans sacrifice and we are forever thankful for their dedication to that mission.”
